posted by fmoore on Oct 22
I normally don’t make assumptions. However, there is an exception to every rule. If you have a cat, companionship is probably very important to you. You value the companionship that your cat(s) bring to your life. So today, I would like to speak on the expected lifespan of a cat. I feel this is an appropriate opening topic so you can plan on how long and how full the relationship with your cat can be. Let’s begin.
Lifespan can vary quite considerably, depending on the breed of your cat. If your cat is overweight, as is true of humans, there is a high probability that it will have a shortened lifespan. This has become a MAJOR problem in the cat community. 65% of ALL cats suffer from obesity. This means that there is a high probability that your very cat(s) may be involved in this very epidemic.
Obesity has been consistently connected to health problems including diabetes, respiratory problems related to breathing, and extra weight that places additional stress and strain on cat’s limbs and internal organs. If your cat is well cared for, preferrably fed a natural diet throughout its life, and given adequate attention, it will usually live comfortably into its late teens.
Astonishingly, 85% of all cats over the age of four have gum disease. This can cause infections that can do damage to internal organs. As your cat ages, regular dental checkups will ensure that it will live longer by avoiding problems related to gum disease. Feeding your cat a nutritious diet is only more important.
Cats are quite durable animals. When offered the opportunity, they do try to look after themselves where possible by eating the right food that is natural to them.
Their keen sense of smell helps them to avoid eating food that can cause illness. Since the common cause of early death in domestic cats is due to their owners feeding them the wrong food, this is by far the sense you, as an owner, can appreciate the most when you unknowingly offer them something that may not be good for them. In reading this blog, this should never pose a problem.
Feeding your cat a variety of foods in its diet will ensure that it is getting all the necessary nutrients to maintain good health. Do not assume that your cat can survive by just feeding it the same dried food every day and not keeping a fresh supply of water constantly available.
Cats will go out hunting, and they will eat what they catch, even if you have been feeding them a nutritionally balanced diet. If their diet is deficient they will be more inclined to hunt and find food that can maintain their health.
Giving your cat a warm, safe, stress-free environment, will extend their lifespan, and help them to be healthy enough to enjoy the geriatric years. Regular exercise will help maintain good health for a domestic cat that will commonly sleep most of the day.
And don’t be surprised to learn that there are many cats that have lived well into the early 20s. In fact, the Guiness World Book of Records list a certain feline living until the ripe old age of 36. Aim high and you will definitely have YOUR cat for years and years to come.
If you truly want to learn how to offer your cat the best life possible, be sure to pick up Fur, Jaws, and Claws: The Definitive Introduction to a Holistic Lifestyle for Your Cat. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.